Vichy France is the common name of the French State (État français) headed by Marshal Philippe Pétain during World War II. It was an independent ally of Nazi Germany until late 1942 when Berlin took full control. Evacuated from Paris to the resort town of Vichy in the unoccupied „Free Zone“ (zone libre) in the southern part of Metropolitan France, (including French Algeria) it remained responsible for the civil administration of France as well as its colonies.

Vichy lies on the banks of the Allier River. The source of the Allier is in the nearby Massif Central plateau which lies only a few miles to the south, near the region’s capital, Clermont-Ferrand. The historical existence of volcanic activity in the Massif Central is somewhat visually evident. Volcanic eruptions have happened for at least 150,000 years, but all volcanoes there have been dormant for at least 112 years. Volcanic activity in the area is the direct cause of the many thermal springs that exist in and around Vichy.

Explore Vichy

Although the town is not a major tourist destination there are some sights of interest in Vichy, which is also an important spa town very popular among those seeking the healing powers of the local water.

Much of the town dates from the 19th and 20th centuries, in part due to the development of the spa waters industry since that time – it was Napoleon III who first brought these to the attention of the public. There are several different natural water sources in the town, some war and others cold.

Although most of Vichy dates from the late 19th century onwards there are certain monuments that are older. These include the remaining parts of the Convent of the Celestins (in the park of the same name) dates from the 15th century, and was originally part of a benedictine monastery. The Castel Franc also dates from the 15th century, although the principal facade was rebuilt in the 19th century.

The houses along the Boulevard des Etats-Unis, dating from the epoch when the town started to develop under Napoleon III (1860-1870), are also interesting and in a style that is very unusual in the Auvergne – these include the Chalet Marie-Louise, the Chalet de Clermont-Tonnere and the Chalet de l’Empereur. The Parc Napoleon III was also part of this new development.

The Palace of Congress (opera) building dates from the same period but stands in complete contrast, with its ornately decorated facade also incorporating art nouveau elements.

You can also see the ornate buildings that were the grand hotels where visitors to Vichy stayed in the early 20th century, stroll along the pleasant boulevards and walk along the banks of the river, and if you are visiting in summer there is even a beach on the river in the town.

Another surprise in Vichy is the interior of the Chuch of Saint-Blaise: on the outside it is a rather bleak concrete church, but the inside has been painted with colourful frescoes and other decorations and is quite ncely done.

The riverside promenade in Vichy continues for several kilometres and has a few small cafes, and is one of the most popular activities in the town, with visitors and residents alike.

Attractions nearby

Among the places you will want to visit in the area around Vichy are the small village of Charroux, and the village of Chateldon overlooked by the ruins of a medieval castle.

Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Allier guide and the Auvergne guide.